Up-and-coming band to perform in Cassville

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

By Lindsay Reed

Democrat Photo/Lindsay Reed
Concert coming soon
The Nate Terry Band, which includes local musician JR Day, will perform at the First Baptist Church in Cassville at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. Pictured above, from left, are: Jared Harder and Day.

The Nate Terry Band, which includes local musician JR Day, has been invited to perform in a showcase at the National Religious Broadcast Conference in Nashville, Tenn., on March 4. Area community members will have an opportunity to hear the up-and-coming band in concert at the First Baptist Church in Cassville on Sunday, Feb. 24.

JR Day, of Cassville, plays bass and offers vocals for many of The Nate Terry Band's songs. Day is also a songwriter for the band.

Other members of the band are: Randy Brooks, lead guitar and vocals; Adam Rasmussen, keys; Ryan Ferguson, drums; Jared Harder, guitar and vocals; and Nate Terry, lead vocals. Terry is a native of Carthage, and Rasmussen is from Monett.

The Nate Terry Band began performing together in August of 2012.

"Nate had a southern gospel group," said Day. "God closed the door on that, but Nate felt led to start another band. He was talking with Adam Rasmussen and Nate said he felt led to put a band together and Adam said, 'I do too.'"

Soon, Terry and Rasmussen began auditioning musicians for the band.

"Everyone who auditioned fit," said Day. "They haven't had to tell anyone no, which never happens."

The Nate Terry Band's sound has been influenced by blues, southern rock and country. Harder said the group has a similar sound to the currently popular Zac Brown Band.

"It's hard to put one name to it," said Day. "Our sound is really based on how we have grown up playing music."

Day's musical career began when his mother taught him three chords on an Echo Guitar when he was 14 years old.

"I've never had a guitar lesson," said Day. "A gift just awakened in me. I know I have been gifted from God, and I am thankful. Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to play with people who are a lot better than me, and that is how I've learned."

Most of the band members have similar stories regarding their musical roots. Harder, who is from Joplin, began learning to play the guitar at the age of 12 and has been performing since he was around 15 years old.

"Last year, was the first time I ever toured though," said Harder. "I'm new to this."

The Nate Terry Band billed their first show as an open rehearsal when they performed their first major show in Monett on Jan. 19. The band members are excited about the opportunity to perform in Nashville, Tenn., next month.

"Basically everybody involved in the religious broadcasting industry will be there," said Day. "It is that serious."

"There will be a lot of producers, and a lot of opportunities," added Harder.

On March 4, The Nate Terry Band will perform alongside several Christian comedians, including Michael Jr., Chonda Pierce and Dennis Swanberg. Other gospel musicians are scheduled to perform on alternate days during the conference.

"Our main goal for our performance is that God gets the glory," said Day. "If He wants us to perform locally, like we have been doing, that's great, and if He wants us to perform regionally, we have talked to our families and we are ready for that too. We are on board with whatever He wants from us."

The Nate Terry Band performs all original music. Although Harder has not yet written anything for the band, he hopes to in the future.

"Song writing, for me, is a way to relate to people and give them hope through a message of God's love," said Harder.

"It's about being transparent and relatable," agreed Day. "I journal a lot, and a lot of my prayers turn into songs."

Over the last five months, the band members have spent at least one night, or four to five hours, each week practicing together. Rehearsals increase in the weeks prior to a performance.

Day and Harder encourage all local residents to attend the free concert at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 24. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

"If you like good music there is no better place to be that night," said Day. "We have a lot of different influences come out in our shows, and it is pretty good music."